Middle-earth: The Animated Films watch order
The 1970s attempts at Tolkien: a Rankin/Bass Hobbit, Ralph Bakshi's unfinished Lord of the Rings, and a Return of the King that finishes the job.
- 1
- 2
- 3
The Return of the King 1980
Not on a subscription service in the UK right now
Not on a subscription service in the US right now
- 1
- 2
- 3
The Return of the King 1980
Not on a subscription service in the UK right now
Not on a subscription service in the US right now
Worth knowing. Bakshi's film stops halfway through The Two Towers and its sequel was never made. Rankin/Bass's Return of the King was made as a sequel to their Hobbit, but it is the closest thing to an ending Bakshi's film has. The live-action films have their own page.
Where to stream it
Prime Video1 of 3 filmsGo to Prime Video
Artiflix1 of 3 films
2 films aren't on any subscription service in the UK. Use "Where to watch" to rent or buy them.
HBO Max1 of 3 films
Cinemax1 of 3 films- Artiflix1 of 3 films
1 film isn't on any subscription service in the US. Use "Where to watch" to rent or buy it.
Streaming data from JustWatch via TMDB, checked 19 October 2026. Availability changes often. Some links to streaming services earn us a commission.
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